U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta yesterday announced the resignation of U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert.

The Secretary praised Schubert's accomplishments and service to the nation during a three-year tenure.

"Bill brought real life maritime experiences directly to his job as Administrator and he has been a tremendous asset to the Department," Secretary Mineta said. "He was a strong advocate of the nation's vital maritime transportation system."

Captain Schubert managed a large-scale activation of the Maritime Administration's Ready Reserve Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He also worked to eliminate trade barriers for American ocean shipping companies doing business in China by successfully negotiating a historic maritime agreement between the United States and China, Mineta added.

The Deputy Administrator of the Maritime Administration, John Jamian, will assume the role of Acting Maritime Administrator during the White House selection process for a new Administrator. Captain Schubert's resignation is effective February 12, 2005.